Dep-O Magazine

Sebastian Vettel Drives First Aston Martin GP Racer

Simon Charlesworth — Fri, 22 Jul 2022 14:00:19 +0000

Sebastian Vettel has taken to the wheel of the first Aston Martin GP racer. A century on from its racing debut, Aston Martin’s original Grand Prix car roared back to the French Grand Prix, for a thrilling celebratory lap with the multiple F1 championship driver at the wheel.

This weekend’s race sees Aston Martin mark the centenary of its maiden GP at the 1922 French Grand Prix, with no current Formula One manufacturer enjoying such an early history of top-flight competition.

Ahead of Sunday’s Grand Prix, four-time F1 world champion Sebastian Vettel had the chance to pilot TT1 – affectionately nicknamed ‘Green Pea’ – around Circuit Paul Ricard, 100 years on from the storied car taking to the road circuit of Strasbourg for a 60-lap, 800 km race as one of two Aston Martin entries.

The cars were built by founder Lionel Martin following a commission by wealthy young motor racing driver and pioneer Count Louis Zborowski, who invested £10,000 in their construction and the development of an entirely new 16-valve twin overhead cam four-cylinder race engine. TT1 and TT2 were originally intended for the 1922 Isle of Man TT (Tourist Trophy) event, but instead, a delay saw them make the marque’s international racing debut at the French Grand Prix on the 15 July 1922, with Zborowski piloting TT1. He later went on to design ‘Chitty Bang Bang’ the car which inspired the book and film Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang.

Sebastian Vettel, one of Aston Martin’s 2022 F1 drivers, said: “It was an incredible honour to drive this car, exactly 100 years on from it last taking to the starting line at the French Grand Prix.

“Green Pea holds a very special place in Aston Martin’s heritage, and you can almost feel that century of history beneath your fingertips when at the wheel.

“The racing spirit and will to win is something that defines Aston Martin, and it’s fantastic to celebrate it this weekend as we bring Green Pea and our heritage in motorsport together with the cutting-edge technology and performance of today’s AMR22 car.”

This weekend, the Aston Martin F1 Team will race with the original Aston Martin badge from 1913 on the nose of its cars, mirroring the one fitted to Green Pea.

The first Aston Martin Grand Prix car, featuring a 1486cc engine unit, was good for around 55bhp at 4200 rpm. The car – built with a body conforming to the voiturette style – weighed in at 750kg (1653lb), 45kg (99lb) lighter than today’s AMR22 challenger. It had a top speed of 85mph and carried two seats, one off-set, as per the Grand Prix regulations of the time, to accommodate the riding mechanic who was an essential member of the team not least because of his job to pressurise the fuel tank via a hand pump.

The experience was sufficiently exhilarating for the fledgling team, based at Abingdon Road, Kensington, to continue their Grand Prix adventure and blaze a trail for Aston Martin’s future success in international motor racing.

Original link: Sebastian Vettel Drives First Aston Martin GP Racer - Dep-O Magazine - Motoring mag for old, retro and classic cars

Ex-Werks Porsche 718RSK For Sale

Simon Charlesworth — Thu, 21 Jul 2022 16:09:50 +0000

One of the most successful ex-Werks Porsche Spyders, a 718RSK, is up for sale with RM Sotheby’s. Once dubbed ‘The Shining Spyder’, 718-006 epitomises Porsche’s late 1950s engineering expertise. A direct evolution of the famed giant-killer 550 Spyder series, the 718 RSK, and later the RS 60 and 61, marked the steady improvement of Porsche racing chassis and body design.

Between 1957 and 1959, just 34 examples of the 718 would be built, the first 10 of which were prototypes used for development and racing with factory drivers.

All 718s used a tubular space frame chassis similar to the one employed in the model’s predecessor, the pinnacle-development 550A, which afforded the 718 incredible rigidity while keeping weight to a minimum. Always intent on creating faster, more stable racing cars capable of winning overall at top-level events like Le Mans, Porsche evolved the 718 throughout its production run and constantly improved individual chassis.

Importantly, after experimenting with control arms resembling the letter ‘K’, 718-006 was the first Porsche chassis to be fitted with double wishbones and coil-overs at the rear, which proved to be tremendously effective and forever changed the development of racing cars.

All 718s were powered by the potent Type 547 ‘’ four-cam engine, with displacements of both 1.5 and 1.6 litres, allowing Porsche to choose the racing category it wished to enter. With large Weber twin-choke carburetors, these engines produced between 150 and 170 horsepower, and proved extremely reliable. Power was fed through a five-speed ZF gearbox with limited slip, and gave top speeds approaching 160 mph. Brakes were large finned drums, and the 16 x 3.5-inch bolt-on wheels comprised steel centers riveted to aluminum outer rims. The alloy bodywork was a bit longer and much more streamlined than the 550’s, with a taller windscreen to meet the FIA’s Appendix C rules.

718-006 LIGHTS UP THE COMPETITION

The Porsche 718 RSK broke onto the racing scene victoriously, proving itself at the 1958 24 Hours of Le Mans and earning a huge first in class win (and third overall) at the hands of Jean Behra and Hans Herrmann. The model was instantly recognized as a force to be reckoned with on the big stage, but clearly needed improvement to take on the motorsport world’s toughest challenges. In particular, Sebring and the Nürburgring—two of the most notoriously brutal tracks that FIA had to offer, each punishing in its own distinctive way—would prove the ultimate test for the 718.

Sebring, a converted WWII airfield and bomber training base, was known to be especially harsh. Rough and unpredictable, it offered sketchy terrain and constant weather changes, with veteran racers noting that you might well “start in the dry” and “finish in the wet;” attrition rates for Sebring race entrants often exceeded 50%. Formula One champion Phil Hill, commenting to Sports Illustrated on Sebring several years prior, said that “It’s monstrous. I’ve never seen anything like it before, at Le Mans or anywhere else.” The Nürburgring offered an equal challenge; one of the world’s deadliest courses, the lives of many sportsmen were tragically taken by the ’Ring’s fast declines and deceiving corners with quick elevation changes.

Porsche’s answer to these challenges was this car, Werks prototype chassis 718-006. Its double-wishbone suspension and rear coil-overs were the perfect complement to the Spyder’s sprightly 82-inch wheelbase chassis and light weight (just 1240lb or 562kg). These developmental upgrades improved high-speed handling and stability, allowing the car to tackle both rough terrain and dynamic road courses with confidence and composure — turning a promising racer into and all-around weapon that became nothing short of unstoppable.

Ultimately, chassis 718-006 had podium finishes in more than half of all events entered throughout its Werks career, including two 1st in class finishes at prestigious international endurance races.




RSK 718-006 WORKS COMPETITION RECORD

*RACE*	*DATE*	*DRIVER*	*RESULT*
12 Hours of Sebring	21 March 1959	Bonnier/von Trips	1st in class, 3rd OA
Targa Florio	24 May 1959	Herrmann/Maglioli	DNF (transmission)
Nürburgring ADAC 1000 KM	7 June 1959	Herrmann/Maglioli	1st in class, 4th OA
24 Hours of Le Mans	20-21 June 1959	Barth/Seidel	DNF
Mont Ventoux Hillclimb	28 June 1959	Barth	1st OA
Berlin GP AVUS supporting race	1 August 1959	Bonnier	2nd place
Karlskoga Autodrome	8 August 1959	Bonnier	4th place
Klosters-Davos Hillclimb	30 August 1959	Herrmann	1st OA
Nassau Porsche-only	12 December 1959	McAfee	4th in class (5 laps)
Nassau Trophy	12 December 1959	McAfee	17th OA, 3rd in Class E (49 laps)

THE PRIVATEER YEARS AND BEYOND

The Spyder was then purchased by Chuck Cassel, a Florida Porsche dealer and racer. During 1960, Cassel raced the car extensively in Florida and Georgia, and once in El Salvador before selling it to Felipe Gutierrez, a wealthy Cuban who raced it twice in 1961. Then the Spyder retired from racing competitively for the next 15 years.

It re-surfaced in 1975 at Ben Pon Racing in Holland, from which it was acquired by German orthodontist Dr. Klaus-Otto Räker. Unfortunately, its original engine was reportedly damaged beyond repair in a competition outing; Dr. Räker turned to well-known four-cam supplier Jim Wellington for a new 547/2 case, which was built up by renowned expert Karl Hloch, Sr. using an 80-millimeter crankshaft and 1.6-liter pistons. Dr. Räker commissioned a five-year restoration by Edmund Klinke at Oldtimerrestauration in Verl, Germany; using the original panels and factory blueprints, Klinke fabricated new outer body panels to replace the undamaged, but fatigued, original skin which at the time was determined to be beyond saving.

Rather than having the new body painted, Dr. Räker instructed that the skin be meticulously polished to a mirror finish. A centerpiece of his museum, when the gleaming 718 appeared at the 1985 Old-Timers Grand Prix at the Nürburgring, it was instantly dubbed ‘The Shining Spyder.’ Among the spectators was a young American designer named Grant Larson, who was beginning a brilliant career at Porsche. When Larson was tasked to design the exterior of the new Boxster, the highly polished RSK epitomized what he viewed as the “total it car”, the most “influential and inspirational” Porsche design.

In 2012, an American four-cam collector requested Colorado restoration shop owner Dick Koenig to find a good 718 RSK. That year, Koenig met Dr. Räker at Gaisberg; two years later a sale was consummated. The RSK was shipped to Koenig’s shop near Denver where another full restoration began, consuming four years. The goal was to bring 718-006 back to its original condition to the greatest possible extent. In pursuit of this, Koenig travelled to California, Florida, and the Netherlands to study details of other prototype 718s.

It was ultimately determined that much of the car’s inner body panels needed replacement. The work was carried out by The Metal Surgeon’s Jon Bingham, after which the body shell was refinished and painted by Dave DeMaria at Vintage Car Works, both located in Englewood, Colorado. DeMaria took great pains to authentically replicate the finishes as they looked in period, from the dull silver bodywork to the unique appearance of the hood—which was originally cadmium-plated in an attempt at dispersing the heat from the aforementioned experimental oil radiator system.

The drivetrain had already been serviced by German four-cam expert Karl Hloch, Jr., but Koenig and Pat Moyle overhauled the brakes, suspension, and steering and installed a new wiring harness. New fuel and oil tanks were fabricated using a hard-to-find original material called “Terneplate.” These tanks are secured with metal straps and factory-correct jute insulating material. Though this material is said to be nearly impossible to find, Koenig located a small supply in Europe, just enough to give 718-006 its proper factory-correct appearance.

The original upholstery consisted of a textured material called Acela Bast; Koenig found an un-faded scrap beneath the auxiliary gas tank in the cockpit of a highly original Porsche 550A used as a reference car, managing to locate enough to cover the seats and headrest. The experimental front lid with its integral oil radiator has been perfectly restored, but the tubes have been disconnected; the normal radiators in the rocker panels suffice to keep the little four-cam within an acceptable temperature range. Further, a set of correctly dated 16-inch wheels were sourced.

Since its restoration, this 718 RSK has appeared at Amelia Island and Rennsport VI, and in November 2020 was featured in Excellence magazine.

Among the most successful examples of its kind, chassis 718-006 is now presented having benefitted from its recent multi-year restoration. It is accompanied by a mirror-polished alloy hood panel autographed by Hans Herrmann, the car’s original dashboard, and other inner body panels replaced by Dick Koenig during its restoration.

A benchmark in Porsche racing history, 718 RSK Werks Spyders are very rarely offered for sale. This Werks car, 718-006, boasts an incredible racing record in the hands of some of the era’s great drivers. It is unquestionably ready to become the crown jewel of any prestigious collection of historic racing cars.

Please note that this Spyder is sold on a Bill of Sale.

Original link: Ex-Werks Porsche 718RSK For Sale - Dep-O Magazine - Motoring mag for old, retro and classic cars

Sizzling Line-up For Gulf Historic Dubai GP Revival

Simon Charlesworth — Wed, 20 Jul 2022 13:22:43 +0000

Thirty great racing cars have now been confirmed as entrants to this November’s Gulf Historic Dubai GP Revival.

Although a comparatively new event, with its origins dating back to 2015, the Gulf Historic celebrates the flair of motorsports with some of the greatest racing cars, guaranteed to turn heads at every corner with their unique designs and furious engines.

The event will take place at the 5.4km-long Dubai Autodrome, which has hosted rounds of the FIA GT Championship, European Touring Car Championship, A1 Grand Prix and GP2 Asia Series since 2004.

So far, the mouthwatering line-up includes:

1974 Hesketh 308b
Last year’s winner of the Gulf Historic Dubai GP Revival, the 1975 Hesketh 308b is a great example of British engineering which gave James Hunt his first win in Formula One. Following mixed results at the start of the ’75 season, including a second-place finish in Argentina, Hunt powered the Hesketh 308B to victory at the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort. This led to a respectable fourth-place finish in the Constructors’ Championship before Hesketh closed its doors due to financial challenges and sold the 308B chassis to a privateer outfit.

1981 Williams FW07C
Driven by reigning world champion Alan Jones and his teammate Carlos Reutemann to the 1981 Formula One Constructors’ Championship, the FW07C was designed by the legendary Patrick Head. This Ford-Cosworth DFV powered machine picked up four wins throughout the season, including two in the USA, as well as in Argentina and Belgium.

1992 Benetton B192
The Benetton B192 is a car which occupies a significant seat in Formula One history. The B192 claimed victory at the 1992 Belgium Grand Prix, which also marked the first of Michael Schumacher’s 91 Formula One victories. At the hands of Michael and his teammate, Martin Brundle, the car would be driven to third in the constructors’ championship, picking up 11 podiums along the way.

Outside of the cockpit, the B192 was graced with the input of legendary designers and engineers, with Ross Brawn, Rory Byrne, Frank Dernie and Pat Symonds all part of the team that designed and built the race-winning car.

1991 Ferrari 643
Ferrari’s entrant to the 1991 Formula Season, the 643, was driven by four-time world champion Alain Prost and his compatriot teammate, Jean Alesi. Powered by a 700bhp V12 engine, the 643 picked up six podiums throughout the 1991 season, notably a second-place finish at Prost’s home Grand Prix, and a third-place in front of the Tifosi at Monza.

1986 Porsche 962
An icon of sports car racing, the Porsche 962 picked up plenty of silverware throughout 1986. Driven to victory at Le Mans by Derek Bell, Hans-Joachim Stuck and Al Holbert, the 962 was also victorious at the Road America 500 miles and Spa 1000km, to name but a few of its triumphs.

2007 Maserati MC12 GT1
The Maserati MC12 GT1 is a 6-litre V12 beast which was driven to FIA GT Championship success four times between 2005 and 2009. An important car in Maserati’s illustrious history, this Frank Stephenson designed machine was developed to signal the Italian marque’s return to racing after 37 years.

2007 Pescarolo 01-05 LMP1
The first sports prototype racing car built by the French marque, Pescarolo, the 01 was designed specifically with Le Mans in mind. At the 2007 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Pescarolo 01 was driven to a third-place finish by Emmanuel Collard, Jean-Christophe Bouillon and Romain Dumas. Further success was to follow as well, with further podiums achieved at the Nürburgring 1000km and Spa 1000km.

Pierre-Brice Mena, the managing director of GP Extreme says, “The addition of these iconic cars to this year’s grid brings an added level of excitement to the Gulf Historic Dubai GP Revival. These legends of the pinnacle of global motorsport promise to have fans on the edge of their seat, with their sheer speed and hair-raising sounds bringing history to life at the Dubai Autodrome. With more cars still to be confirmed, this year’s race will be a true spectacle for motorsport fans.

“As well as the races, the Gulf Historic Dubai GP Revival will offer fans a unique experience that blends the excitement of motorsport with luxury lifestyle. We have created an immersive event with activities for all the family, including music, a classic car concours and a gala dinner.

Original link: Sizzling Line-up For Gulf Historic Dubai GP Revival - Dep-O Magazine - Motoring mag for old, retro and classic cars

BMH apprentices enrol on Heritage Skills Academy course

Simon Charlesworth — Tue, 19 Jul 2022 11:02:19 +0000

Two British Motor Heritage (BMH) apprentices have been enrolled on the Heritage Skills Academy (HSA) coachwork course, to ensure that precious — and under threat heritage — skills are passed on to a new generation.

The craftsmen responsible for building the replacement Mini and MGB panels and bodyshells at British Motor Heritage are among the most experienced in the thriving classic car industry. However, new blood is essential, which is why the company appointed two new apprentices earlier this year, and has now enrolled them on the coachwork course run by the Brooklands-based Heritage Skills Academy.

Established in direct response to the demands of Britain’s classic car fraternity, the 42-month block release course majors on the traditional coachbuilding skills lacking in modern apprenticeship schemes, but still very much in demand in classic car loving Britain.

HSA’s Development Director Owain Johns said, “Our current crop of 150 apprentices includes representatives of many well-known classic car specialists. The companies are great believers in what we are doing and the apprentices love switching between their day jobs and the particular form of education we supply. It’s a win-win situation.”

British Motor Heritage’s Managing Director Graham Payne agrees: “We have been immensely impressed by our two new recruits. Keen footballer Matt Williams loves working on cars, so is in his element as part of our team that builds E-Type bonnets for JLR Classic Parts, while proven classic car enthusiast Kieron Trumper is equally eager to learn from our uniquely skilled band of craftsmen. Add the substantial benefits of the HSA course to all that and I have no doubt they will quickly become invaluable members of our tight-knit team.”

Further details on British Motor Heritage and its products are available at www.bmh-ltd.com, while information on the unique HSA apprenticeships can be found at www.heritageskillsacademy.co.uk.

Original link: BMH apprentices enrol on Heritage Skills Academy course - Dep-O Magazine - Motoring mag for old, retro and classic cars

Nifty Fifties at Beaulieu International Autojumble

Simon Charlesworth — Tue, 19 Jul 2022 11:01:44 +0000

Beaulieu will celebrate a golden era of motoring with a brand new ‘Nifty Fifties’ display, as part of the 2022 Beaulieu International Autojumble, returning on Saturday 10^th and Sunday 11^th September for a packed weekend of buying, selling and automotive enjoyment.

Following in the tyre-tracks of the nostalgia-fuelled Forgotten Favourites display at last year’s show, ‘Nifty Fifties’ will bring together classic vehicles dating from 1950 to 1959, with a crowd-pleasing line-up from this much-loved era. The display will be just one of the features of the event, eagerly anticipated by thousands of motoring enthusiasts.

All 1950s motors are invited to take their places in the show, from popular British saloons and sports cars such as Standards, Wolseleys and Austin-Healeys, to chrome-laded American classics such as Chevrolets and Cadillacs, European favourites such as Porsches, Citroens and Volkswagens, and even eye-catching bubble cars. If your pride and joy was built during that decade, book your place in the line-up now.

To apply to join the ‘Nifty Fifties’ display with your 1950s car, all you have to do is visit beaulieu.co.uk/events/international-autojumble/nifty-fifties. Places are limited and show entry is free for vehicles that are accepted. Successful owners will receive a pair of weekend entry wristbands for International Autojumble.

Returning to the Beaulieu parkland as the National Motor Museum celebrates its golden anniversary, International Autojumble has been a cornerstone of the event season for over half a century, as the place to search for bargains and great buys. In addition to the huge selection of spare parts on offer for historic vehicles are motoring books, model cars, vintage clothing, signs, collectables, automobilia and all manner of automotive treasures.

The Bonhams auction will return to International Autojumble for 2022. The greatly-anticipated sale will take place on Saturday 10^th, with collectors’ cars, motorcycles and automobilia all going under the hammer, while Sunday 11^th will see Bonhams experts give informative talks to showgoers on buying and selling at auction.

Automart is the perfect opportunity to sell your classic or vintage car or bike, showcasing it to thousands of potential buyers of the course of the weekend. With a car space also including weekend entry to the show and the whole Beaulieu attraction, it’s a great way to get involved with the big motoring-themed weekend.

For more motors on sale, make sure to look at Dealermart, with top condition classics on offer from traders. While on Sunday Trunk Traders offers the chance to find bargains as enthusiasts sell assorted motoring jumble from their car boots.

Advance one-day and two-day visitor tickets are available, with a limited number of premium tickets giving priority parking, fast entry and a complimentary Showguide. For more details and to book your tickets, visit beaulieu.co.uk/events/international-autojumble/tickets. Exhibitors and Trunk Traders can book their stands online at beaulieu.co.uk/events/international-autojumble/exhibitors or contact the events team at events@beaulieu.co.uk or 01590 614614.

Visitor and participant tickets include entrance to all that Beaulieu has to offer. Make sure to explore the National Motor Museum’s new exhibition ‘The Story of Motoring in 50 Objects’, and ‘Bond in Motion – No Time To Die’, as well as ‘Little Beaulieu’, ‘World of Top Gear’, ‘On Screen Cars’, the ancestral Montagu home Palace House, Secret Army Exhibition, 13th Century Beaulieu Abbey and the stunning grounds and gardens. Visit beaulieu.co.uk for more information.

Original link: Nifty Fifties at Beaulieu International Autojumble - Dep-O Magazine - Motoring mag for old, retro and classic cars

First Production Aston Martin DB2 For Sale

Simon Charlesworth — Fri, 15 Jul 2022 14:30:54 +0000

The first production Aston Martin DB2 is up for sale. The DB2 is one of the first of 49 ‘washboard’ cars — so called because of their front wing vents — was used by David Brown prior to being sold and it was the first Aston Martin to race at the Sebring 12 Hours.

LML/50/11, is offered as a project for the sum of £250,000. Please note that this lot is sold on a Bill of Sale by RM Sotheby’s.

Chassis LML/50/11, which is recognised by the Aston Martin Owners’ Club as the first production DB2 (and also, technically, the first Aston Martin DB) is one of just seven such DB2s built in 1950.

The first 10 examples of the DB2 produced during 1949 and 1950 all served as either prototypes, factory team cars, or press cars, with chassis LML/50/8 achieving a class win and 5th overall at the 1950 24 Hours of Le Mans, beaten only by cars with considerably larger engines.

Originally delivered with features seen on the earlier Works cars, such as twin-fuel fillers, Perspex rear window and ribbed-metal sill stripes. In addition to these features, LML/50/11 was the first DB2 to have a small bonnet scoop near to the windscreen.

Ordered new by George Schrafft, a successful car dealer from Palm Beach and amateur racing driver who later competed at Le Mans, he first placed the order over a handshake while on holiday in Cannes and following a chance meeting with David Brown, who was coincidently putting development miles on one of the prototype DB2s. It is claimed that David Brown used LML/50/11 on trade plates as his Drophead Coupé prototype (LML/50/10) was not ready, prior to its import into the U.S.A. via famed European sports car dealer, Max Hoffman. Schrafft used LML/50/11 for a short while before it was sold to David Hirsch of Miami Beach. This DB2 was originally built in Black over Grey upholstery, but by the time it passed to Hirsch, it was two-tone Dark Blue with a Silver roof.

Hirsch was an amateur racing driver, who with his friend, Bob Gegen, would compete together in races along the East Coast. Sebring may never have existed on any race calendar without Bob Gegen: while flying with his friend Sam Collier (of the family that would later amass one of the great car collections), the pair saw an airstrip and landed to enquire over the possibility of running some cars in competition along the runway. Collier was tragically killed shortly afterwards in 1950, but the idea was born and the 12 Hours of Sebring is now one of America’s most important races.

Rather fittingly, Hirsch and Gegen’s debut race with LML/50/11 was the first edition of the 12 Hours of Sebring on 15 March 1952. In the Motorsport Magazine race report, the Hirsch/Gegen partnership was marked out as ‘the great pre-race favourite’, perhaps on the basis of the DB2’s performance at Le Mans. Unfortunately, the infamously bumpy surface caused a rear shock absorber mount to fail on the 29th lap, taking this DB2 out of the race after three hours.

Undimmed by Sebring, Gegen next raced this DB2 at the 100-mile SCCA Bridgehampton Sport Car Road Race in May; Gegen had better luck, finishing the now-painted-red DB2 in 18th place, 5th in class. It was Hirsch’s turn next at the Convair Trophy Race, Allentown, in early August, and one final race was entered by Gegen, the Watkins Glen Grand Prix; the race was stopped after a tragic accident between an Allard and some spectators.

The pace of development for sports cars was relentless and having witnessed the speed of Max Hoffman’s new Jaguar C-type, it was obvious to Hirsch that he needed to upgrade to have any chance of competing with Cunningham’s increasingly quick C4-R. LML/50/11’s racing career was over, but it had participated in the birth of one of America’s great races and witnessed the end of unprotected road racing at Watkins Glen. Hirsch and Gegen’s decision to switch to a C-type was vindicated when they finished 4th at the 1953 12 Hours of Sebring. Despite progressing his racing ambitions, Hirsch is known to have kept his DB2 until at least 1959.

By 1971, this DB2 was with Terry Bennett of Chelsea, Massachusetts. Prior to this time, the engine and gearbox had been replaced with an early post-war Jaguar unit with an automatic gearbox. Ownership passed to John Walsh, of Wellesley, Massachusetts in 1973 and he would keep LML/50/11 for a decade. A further two short-term owners on the East Coast housed the car before it was imported back to the U.K. by Tom Barnard, with the dream of restoring this significant DB2. Barnard was regarded as one of the experts on early “washboard” DB2s—so named because of the three-piece front grille and large vents behind the front wheels—but the project faltered over 20 years. In 2010, this DB2 passed into the hands of the current owner who has completed various works on the car.

During Aston Martin’s fabled 109-year history, it is widely acknowledged that its greatest period is during David Brown’s ownership. The effects of his vision for the marque are still evident throughout the company’s products today; his initials identify many model names, the 2+2 layout–starting with the DB2/4–is a signature of the brand, and the famous grille shape is used in most Aston Martins.

In addition to its road car line-up, Aston Martin enjoyed its greatest motorsport success with the DBR1 that won the 1959 World Sportscar Championship, and later DP cars running wheel-to-wheel with the likes of the Ferrari GTO and Shelby Cobra. The true origins of all of David Brown’s success with Aston Martin was the DB2.

As it stands today, this DB2 has been on a chassis jig, areas of corrosion have been addressed and the body is nearly ready for priming and painting. The car comes with all of its brightwork, retrimmed seats, rebuilt brakes, a correct DB2 engine, gearbox and differential (all of which have been rebuilt), and many other parts of the car remain ready to be reassembled together so that this significant and historic Aston Martin can return to working life. An extensive history file accompanies the car with countless invoices for work and parts. This DB2 could be prepared as a perfect events car for competing at major historic racing events such as Le Mans Classic, Goodwood, Motor Racing Legends’ Woodcote Trophy, Modena Cento Ore, Tour Auto and the Mille Miglia. Likewise, it can be restored to exactly how it left the factory, as the first production DB2.

It is unlikely that an Aston Martin project with as significant a history as this will come to the market any time soon, and it is entirely up to the next owner to write the future chapters of this wonderful DB2’s story.

Original link: First Production Aston Martin DB2 For Sale - Dep-O Magazine - Motoring mag for old, retro and classic cars

Unique Ferrari Fantuzzi For Sale

Simon Charlesworth — Thu, 14 Jul 2022 10:55:13 +0000

The unique Ferrari Fantuzzi is up for sale. Based on the 16th Ferrari 250GT Lusso built, and fitted with a Fantuzzi body in 1965, the car is being sold by leading and respected Ferrari specialist and broker GTO Engineering.

This one-off 1963 Ferrari 250 GT Lusso Fantuzzi has been cared for by GTO Engineering for over a decade. Its history is well-documented, being originally finished in Grigio Metallizzato from the factory, and supplied new to Luciano Pederzani of Bologna, who, with his brother Gianfranco owned Tecno, a builder of Formula F2 and F3 cars.

At their request when the car was still relatively new it had extensive work carried out and was partially re-bodied in around 1965 by Medardo Fantuzzi, who was designing the bodies for their Tecno race cars. Fantuzzi created a one-off treatment with a more aerodynamic front end and faired in headlamps.

The previous owner spent over three years and a lot of effort documenting the actual history of this model, including a trip to Italy to meet with the original owner Gianfranco Pederzani and a visit to the Ferrari factory. He has personally met with, or spoken to, most of the people who have owned this car, to gain first-hand, reliable information.

Its illustrious history starts in 1966 when the Pederzani brothers sold the car to Venezuela, however by the summer of 1968 this special Ferrari had moved to New York and was owned by Richard Trask. In around 1977 Terry Kramer purchased the car, and it is believed it was at that time that some further modifications were made (possibly by Tom Meade) including a more pronounced boot lid spoiler and some 250 GTO-inspired vents in the wings and on the nose. Soon after this the car was shipped to Honolulu where it was registered. The car went through Collier Thelian’s hands in 1978 and was sold to Gerald O’Conner in 1979, who put the car in storage in 1981 where it would remain for the next 24 years.

In the Autumn of 2011, the 1963 Ferrari 250 GT Lusso bodied by Fantuzzi went to DK Engineering for a full restoration. It was decided to embark upon a concours restoration and as such the car was stripped to a bare chassis and body. Moulds, drawings, and diagrams were made from a genuine Ferrari 250 GTO and precisely scaled to Lusso size for the various louvres and vents. The car was primed and painted in Rosso Corsa. It returned from paint at the beginning of November 2012, at which point the mechanical rebuild was commenced.

After its time with DK Engineering, the car was transferred to GTO Engineering to be its final mechanical and storage caretaker, who has overseen its servicing and maintenance for nearly a decade (late 2012 to present). Throughout that time, the owner and teams at GTO Engineering ensure that the car remains ‘on the button’ servicing, moving, caring for the car as if it was GTO Engineering’s own. During this time there are significant service and invoicing records for works, including an owner-specified ‘touring themed’ upgrade of seat belts, luggage straps, mirrors to sit alongside its Brantz machine.

Today, this special Ferrari is offered for sale with price on application. Leading the sale is Louis Scott, who was appointed earlier this year in a senior sales role, with significant hypercar trading background with Koenigsegg’s UK distributor, and prior to that with Ferrari itself.

Original link: Unique Ferrari Fantuzzi For Sale - Dep-O Magazine - Motoring mag for old, retro and classic cars

Exhibition and Celebration To Mark Beaulieu Museum’s 50th

Simon Charlesworth — Tue, 05 Jul 2022 13:10:53 +0000

Hundreds of cars gathered to celebrate the 50^th anniversary of the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu as guests and visitors discovered the final selection to for ‘The Story of Motoring in 50 Objects.’

Owners of 1970s classics joined the party in their Escorts, Minis and Ford Cortinas, as some even dressed for the decade to take part in the 1970s Classic Car Drive-In Day on Sunday.

Lord Montagu asked young ambassadors of Starter Motor — the charity which aims to get the next generation driving, maintaining and enjoying classic cars — to choose the best car of the show on his behalf. They chose the Lotus Elan Series 4 SE owned by Beaulieu volunteer Kevin Kinsella, who was called from giving a tour in the National Motor Museum to be presented with his winning trophy. Event-goers picked the People’s Choice award, which was awarded to Wayne Rose for his impressive 1972 Toyota Crown Deluxe.

An anniversary golden paddock recreated the Beaulieu car park of 1972. It also displayed some of the amazing vehicles which took part in the original celebratory cavalcade at the museum opening, half a century ago.

^ National Motor Museum 50th Anniversary, Beaulieu. 1970’s Classic Car Drive-in Day

Lord Montagu said: “It’s been quite a trip back in time! When HRH The Duke of Kent came to open Britain’s National Motor Museum in July 1972, it was the proudest moment of my father’s life, and what we have in the museum is his greatest legacy.

“In 1972, our exhibits spanned a period of about 80 years; they now account for over 130 years and so it is no surprise that our collections have expanded considerably, especially in the libraries and archives. It has been with these collections in mind that we’ve created The Story of Motoring in 50 Objects, giving you every reason to re-explore the museum. The exhibition launches the start of our sixth decade and a new chapter in the development of Britain’s National Motor Museum.”

National Motor Museum Trust Chief Executive Jon Murden said: “Our next challenge is to take the museum and its collections forward, by reimagining Edward, Lord Montagu’s vision in order to engage with a wider audience and remain relevant for the future.”

At the celebrations, Lord and Lady Montagu cut a cake which was shaped as one of the #50 objects – the 1930 ‘Blower’ Bentley 4½ litre Supercharged. The Carousels entertained guests with hits from the Seventies, while Friends of the National Motor Museum Trust led their own cavalcade before setting off on a Forest Drive. Meanwhile on the Beaulieu Parkland, the National Austin Seven Rally celebrated a century of one of the world’s best-loved cars.

^ National Motor Museum 50th Anniversary, Beaulieu. Lord and Lady Montagu cutting the cake

Final #50objects revealed
Inside the museum, event-goers were the first to see the final selection of the top #50objects in the anniversary display ‘The Story of Motoring in 50 Objects’.

The objects were carefully chosen from over 1.7 million items in the internationally-acclaimed collection cared for by the National Motor Museum Trust. Curators whittled down the selection to a shortlist of 150, then made the final choice to include the most historically important vehicles, motoring artefacts, film footage, images, documents and books from its archives.

Pioneering motoring — we had to include the 1903 De Dion Bouton 6hp which started our collection when Edward, Lord Montagu put this car on display in the entrance hall of Palace House as a tribute to his father, the motoring pioneer John Montagu. The 1908 Votes for Women! Shell postcard, linking motoring to female drivers, has also made the final cut.
Achievement and endeavour — the 12hp Daimler is one of the most significant cars in our collection and was the first petrol-engined vehicle to enter the Palace Yard of the House of Commons, after being bought by John Montagu MP in 1899. When he entered the Daimler in the 1,000 Mile Trial ground-breaking drive from London to Edinburgh the following year, it was the first time that many people in Britain had seen a motor car on the road. The precious 1913 racing silks of Percy Lambert, who was the first man to drive a car more than 100 miles in one hour, have also made the final 50, along with the stunning Land Speed Record breaker Golden Arrow which was chosen for its tremendous aircraft power in a car.

Technology, progress and environment — a 1907 Halda taximeter which gave taxi cabs their name, has also made it into the exhibition, together with a brochure weighing up the options of steam, petrol and electricity during the same year. Cat’s eyes and a crash test dummy have been chosen for helping to make driving safer.
Art, advertising and design — the 1911 Rolls-Royce Spirit of Ecstasy had to make the top 50, as one of the most recognisable sculptures ever made. It was created by Charles Sykes and some of his work was inspired by Eleanor Thornton, the secretary and mistress of John Montagu. The beauty of Lalique’s exquisite glass mascots also put what is believed to be his first work, Cinq Chevaux, amongst our curators’ first choices.
Industry and economy — road builders’ clogs may be less well-known, while a 1920s children’s book telling the story of charabanc rides carrying workers and their families on day trips to the seaside and countryside is a colourful addition to the exhibition. Archive film of the 1913 Ford production line also shows a transformation in industry, marking the start of motoring factory work as we know it.
Society, mobility and leisure — the 1952 DRH car radio provided the first factory-fitted radios in British cars for driving music. In the year of the Queen’s platinum Jubilee, we also had to choose the 1955 Royal Caravan, which is still owned by HRH The Princess Royal who enjoyed touring Buckingham Palace gardens in it, with a young Prince Charles and their father, Caravan Club Patrol HRH Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh.

^ National Motor Museum 50th Anniversary, Beaulieu. The Carousels Band

Visit the exhibition
Visitors can discover the full set of 50 objects in the National Motor Museum, as the exhibition remains on display until April 16^th, 2023 – using the Smartify app to scan objects and uncover more content and stories.

See highlights of the 50 objects selection and join the conversation with #50objects on Twitter @Beaulieu_Hants, Facebook at /nationalmotormuseum or Instagram @national_motor_museum

For tickets and details see www.beaulieu.co.uk or call 01590 612345.

Original link: Exhibition and Celebration To Mark Beaulieu Museum’s 50th - Dep-O Magazine - Motoring mag for old, retro and classic cars

Radwood UK

Simon Charlesworth — Fri, 01 Jul 2022 14:49:34 +0000

Radwood is heading for the UK. The new Hagerty event takes place at Bicester Heritage on Saturday 20 August, providing owners of 1980s and ’90s cars a unique opportunity to show their vehicles and meet like-minded enthusiasts at a UK car event unlike any other.

Born in the USA, Radwood was created to celebrate the excess of 1980s and ’90s car lifestyle culture, blending period-correct dress with automotive awesomeness to celebrate cars, trucks, and bikes from 1980-1999.

Founded by podcasters Art Cervantes and Warren Madsen, Created as an event for friends in the San Francisco Bay area, Radwood quickly became a success, and by 2019, it was hosting 10 shows a year at locations across the USA and the name has become synonymous with cars from that era.

Hagerty took stewardship of Radwood in March 2022 to build on the company’s purpose to save driving and car culture while expanding and supporting inspiring experiences for automotive enthusiasts. Now Hagerty is bringing Radwood — or RADwood — to the UK for the first time.

Hagerty, the US insurance company behind the Festival of the Unexceptional, aims to celebrate the automotive scene of the 1980s and ’90s — and in doing so, making some of us around here feel rather old.

So you can count on bodykits, wide-arches and ICE installs. Everything from Miami Vice to Max Power, from city broker 930 Turbos to big-bumper GTis, it doesn’t matter what you drive, as long as it was built between 1980 and 1999. The theme encouraged for show cars is ‘greed is good’, where drivers aspired to own hot hatchbacks, sports saloons, sports cars, supercars, luxury cars and 4x4s. Authenticity and originality count for much, but period-correct modifications are also welcomed.

Period culture also plays a big part of the Radwood experience, with DJs entertaining guests with music of the generation and cultural references aplenty from breakdancing to graffiti art, it brings an immersive, unique experience to car shows unlike any other.

Entertainment at Radwood UK includes a host of 1980s and ’90s free to play arcade games, as well as BMX and skateboarding demonstrations. Music will be supplied by Absolute Radio ’90s DJ Andy Bush, who will be playing all the big beats and indie hits from the 1980s and ’90s as part of a three-hour live set and, of course, there will be hundreds of the coolest period cars on display as part of curated displays and showgoers’ cars displayed on the avenues of Bicester Heritage.

With tickets priced at just £20 per car, it’s a bodacious day out for families and groups of friends who want to relive what was acceptable in the ’80s. Which was pretty much anything…

Original link: Radwood UK - Dep-O Magazine - Motoring mag for old, retro and classic cars

First Customer Continuation Jaguar C-type Completed

Simon Charlesworth — Wed, 29 Jun 2022 11:54:32 +0000

The first Jaguar customer C-type Continuation model has been completed and has undergone its initial shakedown test ready to leave the home of Jaguar Classic Works ahead of delivery.

Its completion coincides with a landmark anniversary – 70 years since the first disc brake equipped C-type won in international competition at a 224-mile long, 50-lap sports car race held during the Reims Grand Prix Meeting on 29 June 1952. Understandably, this first customer Continuation C-type has been inspired by that 1952 Reims race-winning car, piloted by Sir Stirling Moss with Pastel Green paint and Suede Green seats.

Only a limited number of C-type Continuation cars will be built by Jaguar’s state-of-the-art Classic Works, with each car requiring 3000 hours of specialist construction to each customer’s personal specification. Every car undergoes at least 250 miles of physical testing by Jaguar Classic engineers.

Handcrafted at Jaguar Classic Works in Coventry, all C-type Continuation models will be built to the specification of the 1953 Works C-types. The first version to be completed has undergone final shakedown testing and the team at Jaguar Classic cannot wait to deliver to an excited customer.

The Jaguar Classic team has helped bring Jaguar’s heritage to life using extensive research, modern technology and engineering expertise. With advanced CAD modelling, each one is then crafted using the same build methods and techniques to ensure the limited-run Continuations honour the delineation of the original C-type.

The C-type configurator can be found at https://classicvisualiser.jaguar.com with customer enquiries directed to: www.jaguar.com/classic, +44 (0) 2476 566 600, sales@classic-jaguarlandrover.com

Customers have 12 exterior heritage colours to choose from including the Pastel Green of this car, British Racing Green and Pastel Blue with contrasting roundel, as well as the opportunity to select their own interior specification from a range of eight leather hues.

The Continuation models are FIA-approved and eligible to participate in all FIA Historic events, including the Jaguar Classic Challenge, which takes place at a variety of different racing tracks including Le Mans and Silverstone.

Original link: First Customer Continuation Jaguar C-type Completed - Dep-O Magazine - Motoring mag for old, retro and classic cars

New Bentley Speed Six Continuation Models

Simon Charlesworth — Mon, 27 Jun 2022 10:05:04 +0000

Bentley is building a new series of Speed Six Continuation cars. Mulliner is bringing the Speed Six back to life with a new and highly exclusive Continuation Series of 12 cars, each mechanically and aesthetically authentic to the Bentley racers that won Le Mans in 1929 and 1930.

Created to honour the achievements of the original cars and while continuing to develop and preserve Mulliner’s heritage skills, the new Speed Sixes will become the second pre-war continuation project in the world after the Blower (also created by Bentley Mulliner).

The most successful Bentley racing car of its era, the Speed Six is regarded as one of the most important Bentleys in history, not only further demonstrating the marque’s world-beating performance credentials but also proving the concept of the Grand Tourer — a fast car that remained comfortable and luxurious, and capable of covering huge distances with ease. Every Bentley since has followed the same ethos.

The 12-car series has been designed, and will be developed and built, by the same team of Mulliner specialists that have created the Blower Continuation Series — the first pre-war continuation project in the world. This acclaimed run of 12 new 4½-litre ‘Blower’ Bentleys was based on the company’s own 1929 Team Car #2 – the most famous and valuable Bentley in the world, which raced alongside the Speed Six in 1930 – and sold out instantly. The same is true of the new Speed Six continuations, with all 12 cars already reserved by lucky customers around the world.

The Speed Six Continuation Series was announced at the Goodwood Festival of Speed by Bentley’s Chairman and Chief Executive, Adrian Hallmark, who comments:

“After incredible levels of skill were acquired by the Mulliner team through the development of the Blower Continuation Series, and with the success of the cars with their customers, a chance to honour the Speed Six is a fantastic next step. It’s vital that we protect, preserve and develop not just this important part of our heritage, but also the knowledge we’ve gained through working with these classic Bentleys. The Speed Six is one of the most important Bentleys in our 103 year history, and the 12 cars of the Continuation Series will embody the same values as WO Bentley’s originals, crafted by hand with the same meticulous attention both to engineering quality and to fanatical attention to detail. The lucky owners will be able to race their cars around the world, and truly relive the exploits of the original Bentley Boys.”

The Mulliner team will once again be supported by an incredible array of artisans from a number of automotive heritage specialists across the UK, delivering recreation parts that are not only physically identical but in many cases are crafted using the same techniques used in the 1920s. This dedication to complete and total authenticity is integral to the success of such a complex project.

A high-performance version of the 6½-litre, the Speed Six became the most successful racing Bentley, winning Le Mans in 1929 and 1930 at the hands of Woolf Barnato, Sir Henry ‘Tim’ Birkin and Glen Kidston.

The Speed Six was an improved version of the 1926 6½-litre Bentley. WO Bentley believed that the best way to increase power was to increase capacity, as opposed to Tim Birkin’s faith in supercharging. He therefore developed a new, larger engine to succeed the 4½-litre. Bentley’s new 100 x 140mm straight six had a capacity of almost 6.6 litres. In base form, with a single Smiths five-jet carburettor, twin magnetos and a compression ratio of 4.4:1, the 6½-litre delivered 147bhp at 3500rpm. 362 examples were built at Bentley’s factory in Cricklewood, north London, on a variety of chassis of different lengths depending on the body style requirements of individual customers.

The Speed Six chassis was introduced in 1928 as a more sporting version of the 6½-litre. The engine was modified to liberate more power, with twin SU carburettors, a higher compression ratio and a high-performance camshaft, responsible for an increase to 180bhp. The Speed Six chassis was available to customers with wheelbases of 138in (3505 mm), 140.5in (3569 mm), and 152.5in (3874 mm), with the short chassis being the most popular. 182 Speed Six models were built between 1928 and 1930.

The racing version of the Speed Six had a wheelbase of 11ft (132in or 3353 mm) and a further-developed engine running a compression ratio of 6.1:1 and developing 200bhp. Two wins at Le Mans in 1929 and 1930 cemented the Speed Six’s place in Bentley history, with the 1929 victory setting a new benchmark for dominance at the race. Driven by Woolf Barnato and Sir Henry ‘Tim’ Birkin, a Speed Six led from the first lap until the chequered flag, followed by a procession of three other Bentleys. A new lap record of 7min 21sec had been set by Birkin, taking 46 seconds off the previous best and requiring an average speed of 83mph, and in covering 2844km a distance record was also attained. Such a dominant performance by one manufacturer was not seen again at Le Mans for nearly 30 years.

To deliver 12 new Speed Sixes that are authentic to the design of the racers of 1929 and 1930, the Mulliner team has first created a complete 3D CAD model of the car, from both the original blueprints and detailed analysis of original cars. Two cars have been referenced for this process.

“Old Number 3” was the third of three Speed Sixes entered by Bentley into Le Mans in 1930. Despite a difficult race it survived the ordeal, and has been immaculately preserved since. Still fully road legal and actively raced by its owner today, Old Number 3 has been a valuable source of design details and reference points for the creation of the new cars.

Alongside Old Number 3, Bentley’s own Speed Six (GU409) — part of Bentley’s expanding Heritage Collection — is a 1929 road car wearing an identical four-seat Vanden Plas body to the original racers and restored to the same specification. GU409 will provide benchmark performance and handling data for the continuation cars, including a full power and torque curve for the 12 new engines to match — or beat.

The first new Speed Six in 92 years will be assembled in the second half of this year, and become the engineering test and development car for the project. Speed Six Car Zero will be retained by Bentley, joining Blower Car Zero as the forebears of the families they help to deliver.

Original link: New Bentley Speed Six Continuation Models - Dep-O Magazine - Motoring mag for old, retro and classic cars

Alfa Romeo’s 112th Birthday

Simon Charlesworth — Thu, 23 Jun 2022 09:49:08 +0000

The 24th June will mark Alfa Romeo’s 112th birthday, and there won’t be a shortage of celebrations to mark the happy occasion.

Founded in Milan in 1910, the company which would become Alfa Romeo — Anonima Lombarda Fabbrica Automobili (ALFA) — has become one of the world’s great marques with a huge following known as the Alfisti.

From Friday 24 to Sunday 26 June, the Alfa Romeo Museum will be holding a weekend of events for the brand’s tribe. Everything is ready to welcome Alfisti enthusiasts, who come together in Arese every year from all round the world, to share their pride and passion for the brand.

Proud to drive their Alfa Romeo on the Museum’s internal track and in the parades that mark the beginning and end of each day of celebrations. A passion to be shared with the clubs themselves, the brand’s true ambassadors.

To mark its 112th anniversary, Alfa Romeo is paying tribute to its Clubs by dedicating part of the Museum to them. On two walls, the permanent display will depict the lives and passion of the Alfisti, in a series of videos made directly by the Clubs. Images coming in from every continent – from China to Latin America, New Zealand to South Africa, speaking of the commitment to enhance both the brand and Made in Italy products, all round the world.

Outside, in the green area in front of the Museum entrance, Trees4Clubs is due to be inaugurated: every tree will bear a plaque produced by a Club, to cement their strong bond – and their deep roots – within the brand. The plaques will be unveiled on Saturday, 25 June at 11am, followed at 3pm by the Club Meeting in the Giulia Hall, the annual get-together for Alfa Romeo Clubs, dozens of which have already signed up from around the world.

Sunday, 26 June will focus on another major anniversary, the Giulia’s 60th. As part of the family, on the track and in uniform, the Giulia is an Alfa Romeo symbol and the icon of an era. Dozens of saloons from the 1960s and ’70s will step out on the Museum’s internal track, to take part in a flashmob.

Afterwards, the Giulia Hall will host a conference forming part of the ‘Backstage’ programme, including a parade of the different versions and variants of this legendary car. The participants will include a Giulia belonging to the State Police force from the Autocentro in Turin, in a perfect juxtaposition with the model on show in the Museum’s ‘Alfa in Uniform’ display.

Finally, two specimens of 1950s Alfa Romeo vans will be on show all weekend: a ‘455’ and a ‘Mille’ from the Marazzato Collection of classic vehicles in Stroppiana (Vercelli province). Consisting of over 200 automobiles, most of the collection is made up of vintage trucks and buses.

For more information and to see the full schedule of celebrations taking place across the weekend at the Alfa Romeo Museum, Arese visit www.museoalfaromeo.com.

Original link: Alfa Romeo’s 112th Birthday - Dep-O Magazine - Motoring mag for old, retro and classic cars